Mosinee Family Bikes Across USA

Mosinee Family Bikes Across USA: "The Pourchot family preps for their 4,000 mile journey across the country."

Mosinee Family Rides Across America - WAOW - Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, Sports

Mosinee Family Rides Across America - WAOW - Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, Sports

The Forgotten Body

Giggles here!   

I love to see people follow their dreams and achieve them. I love the passion, love and drive our spirits have to follow our paths and live the lives we always wanted. I know it’s not as easy as it sounds, nor is the path as smooth as a river pebble. I feel like I can help one make it easier or more likely to succeed on their life’s journey. What I have to share is almost obvious to anyone, but its something we’ve forgot about as a society. We’ve spent countless moments in our lives without a single thought. We have forgotten.

We live each day doing what people tell us to do or listening to our mind. We eat, work, sleep, and entertain ourselves with obliviousness.
When was the last time you truly thought about your body?  I’m not referring to appearance or what the world has seemed to take an utter obsession to. I’m talking about what it gives you. Have you realized that you couldn’t have come this far without your body? Obvious…right? Yet we forget. It is what keeps you going, gets you one place to another, dispossess of whatever you eat or drink, makes you better when your sick, allows you to have the opportunities of all that is joy and beauty! Your body allows you to see, touch, taste, smell and hear the blissful nature that surrounds you. It allows you to interact with your children and kiss the lips of your hearts desire.

Have you ever realized that you and your body are a team?  Sure your spirit is who you are, but your mind and body and spirit are together who you are to follow your path on this earth. Think about how many years your body has gotten you through. Have you held up your end of the bargain? When you think about what you want to eat, do you truly think about what your body wants instead of your mind? What good is it to eat to please the mind when in the end you’re only hurting your body and still left unsatisfied? Why do you eat that ice cream when you know it will cause a disharmony in your body’s homeostasis? Have you ever truly listened to your body when it calls for you to stop? Do you stop when it says you’re hurting it?

It’s taken me 22 years to finally realize that I need to become a better teammate. I’ve put this body through so much hurt and torture, I’ve put it in disrespectful situations and I’ve put countless toxins into its mists. Why would I do such horrid things to something that has been so good to me? As these thoughts have flooded my mind I begin to sympathize with my body. It is a beautiful and incredible temple that houses our spirits. Together we can achieve anything we want. Our dreams are always possible if we work in harmony; the body and the spirit together. It’s definitely something to ponder. I find myself asking why it’s socially acceptable to do harm to the body and get others to do it too. Are our minds really that selfish? Indeed.
Become more aware my friends and find yourself asking what it is your body wants more often. The harmony you create will radiate your path with light and draw boundless energy into your life. You can inspire others and eventually help others build their own team within themselves.

Live in the moment. When you go for a walk or even just sip your coffee really engage into the sensations that your body is allowing you to have. Notice the wind touch your face and see the intricate designs in the bark of a tree. Notice the warmth of your coffee cup and the aroma that is filling your nose. Notice it and appreciate it. Love the moment and love the feelings that your body and spirit can produce together. Your body gives you so many opportunities for joy and love. Now it’s your job to pay more attention to them. These are gifts from your body. Then in return give your body what it needs to thrive. 

It’s the closest relationship that we have yet its one that we forget altogether. Sometimes we let the disharmony control our lives. We let our mind take complete control and as a result our bodies suffer. Sometimes our bodies suffer so greatly that it can no longer do its job. Then our dreams are no longer achievable. Appreciate what you have. Love what you have and gosh darn it take care of what you have! Your body is yours and no one else’s. Make it your priority to get enough sleep, eat the right foods, have positive thoughts and be more mindful towards each moment.

Lately I’ve been to a lot of places and seen a lot of faces. I’ve observed the most incredible architecture of multiple campuses and also the architecture in the nature that is intertwined within its grounds. I’ve watched so many people and wondered about their dreams. We are all full of so many possibilities. And now I share with you the idea of your own architecture. Architecture filled with function and systems that work in sink with each other and which gives you the tools to live. Ponder that my friends. What can you do to keep it in good condition?

We need to listen to the logic that our body is trying to tell us. We need to inquire! Here is an excerpt from “Women Food and God” by Geneen Roth that I’m particularly fond of: 


“The ground of being is made of clarity. It’s saturated with peace- which is exactly why inquiry works. When you believe your own version of events, it’s like sitting in front of Niagara Falls with blinders on your eyes and earplugs in your ears- and believing that you are gazing at a wall. Just because you can’t see the ongoing feast, can’t feel the dynamism, can’t hear the rush of water doesn’t mean it’s not there. What’s even more unbelievable than self-blame dissolving in peace is that we spend most of our lives wearing blinders and earplugs-and call that life. We live despairing, repetitive, stale, half-dead lives of our own making, as if that’s all we can expect, and are suspicious of anyone who tells us to open our eyes and see Niagara Falls. Another way is possible-seeing what’s actually there beneath our interpretations of what’s there-but it requires questioning that which most of us have never, not once, dared or even thought to question: the many assumptions we take to be truth. This questioning is both the process and purpose of inquiry.” (pg 99-100, “Women Food and God” by Geneen Roth)

So I’m challenging you now to see the Niagara Falls that your body and mind can unfold together. Let the water fall and the resulting misty waters spread across the Earth.

Peace and Love,

Giggles:)

Beauty that invites… Beauty that inspires!
ps: these pictures come from the backpacking trip in the Ozarks of Missouri.... Giggle's and Birdy's most recent adventure:)

"You're  

the 

artist  

of  

your 

own soul....."

love, Giggles

Being Charismatic

Hello!

Birdman here …

My friend Mandi inspired me to write this post.  A couple weeks ago we went to this sketchy punk rock concert in some guy’s basement, and it turned out to be insanely awesome and fun!  We were joking around about forming our own band.  But she said to me something like, “I couldn’t be in a band.  I don’t have enough charisma.”  I thought of Lawrence, the piano player in the movie School of Rock, who said he didn’t belong in the band because he thought, “I’m not cool enough.”  So this got me thinking on the topic of charisma.

What the heck is charisma?  And how can someone be charismatic? .....

Falling in Love with YOURSELF!

To the single ladies!

The first step into your new life is to start dating the most important person in your life.. that being you! Its time to discover what you love and who you really are. A lot of times people forget about their true self after being in an abusive relationship. You leave feeling worthless and not good enough, but I'm here to tell you that you can break down those negative walls! You can sparkle again and live the life you've always dreamed of. You don't have to be single to do this either... get ready to look at yourself in a whole new light.

Dear Grandpa, I won't let you down

Dear Grandpa,

You are loved, you are missed, but part of you will always live on through us. Always happy and sweet, either giggling, smiling, trying to help dad out, watching lawrence Welk with my brother Paul,  following Grandma around, kicking our butts in wii bowling and cornhole or taking a snooze on the couch. These are the things that come to mind now at least.

But as the years passed I didn’t realize how much you really have been there. I looked through all the pictures and saw you with my mom as a baby, my brother and myself as a baby. I saw you as we grew up…swimming with me, coloring easter eggs, fishing, and celebrating many milestones in all of our lives. You have been a wonderful father, brother, husband, grandfather, and friend to us all.

Newly Single? Sing Your Heart Out! ...Best songs to guarentee a full recovery:)

FREEDOM!!

Feeling sad or sorry for yourself after a break-up?Crying because everything reminds you of him? Having to re-apply your make-up every time you have to leave your apartment because you look scary? . Hes not worth it honey. Your so much better off now...your FREE to do whatever you want. I'd say Belt your little heart out! Release your anger and emotions through SONG! Singing and dancing are your essential vitamins to move on.. let go.. and enjoy your new freedom.

Purple Wildflower

" I want to be that that role model... that inspiration of health, peace and love. That purple wildflower I created years ago. I want to share my positive energy and passion with anyone wanting to listen or get closer to my beautiful and thriving soul. I am free to be all this and do all this.

I am that beautiful wild flower in the field among others...

flowing in the wind..

looking up at the awe-inspiring mountains in the distance...

Listening to the magical waters of the river beside me. I can dance all I want and soak up every bit of sunshine I can...

No one can stop this little flower from blooming." 

love, 

Giggles

Going Vegetarian

Hello Blog Followers,

Birdman here.  I thought I'd share with you a short essay on my experience going vegetarian which I wrote for a composition class recently ...

Going Vegetarian: Confessions of a Meat Eater turned Veggie

I decided to become a vegetarian about 10 months ago.  Looking back on it, I think it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.  But a year ago, I would have thought becoming a vegetarian was stupid.  Back in those days, vegetarians seemed like strange, animal-loving rabbits that chose to munch on lettuce while everyone else had a good time eating mouth-watering steaks.  What were vegetarians thinking?  I mean tofu?  What was that stuff even made of?  It seemed like some mystery substance that came from a classified vegetarian research facility.

To say the least, I was skeptical about the whole vegetarian thing.  I’d eaten meat almost my entire life.  I’d hunted before.  Everyone in my family hunts.  My dad owns a pheasant farm.  I grew up eating meat at just about every meal – burgers, chicken, bacon, pot roasts, ham, turkey, fish sticks, etc.

So what made a guy like me decide to go vegetarian?  A girl of course.

Where is Waldo? Does Waldo Actually Exist?

Giggles ...

A tall skinny man in a white and red striped shirt.. awesome hat... on a hike around the world. I would say that is pretty inspiring. I'm jealous right now.... Waldo has been to the sea, the zoo the airport and the department store. Ok those are pretty normal places.. what I was most intrigued about was how such a nerdy normal seeming guy could find himself in the weirdest situations...

THE RETURN OF GIGGLES!!

Hey everyone!

Its been a very slippery, gravely, confusing and just plain painful last couple weeks. Your little Giggles found herself in an emotionally abusive relationship:(. Its one of those ordeals where you find yourself trapped... part of you wants to stay in it because he can be sweet and can say the right things..and your also scared of being alone.. but the other part it wanting nothing but an end to the criticism, the isolation, the walking on egg shells day in and day out. This past weekend I had the strength, courage and support of my family and friends to escape once and for all! It was an epic endeavor, but I made it out with only a little smudged make-up and a few tears. He tried so hard to get me to change my mind.. but it didn't work anymore.. his little charming tricks had no effect on humpty dumpty who had fallen off the wall. Since I was so isolated from everyone (he had me delete 5 people off of facebook and was ready to take Birdman out of my life too!!) I felt very lost at first. I wasn't sure who I was anymore... what I liked... but what got me through it was all the wonderful people that still love me and always will. Thank you to all my family and friends!:)

Dinner 9: BBQ Rice Wrap

Hey Readers!

I’m flying solo again this week, though maybe Giggles will have a chance to make this meal and comment on it when her life settles down a bit.  She has so many classes and tests!  Ridiculously busy!

This week I went with something easy and yummy.  I’ve never been much of a wrappist, but I think I could become one.  I made a wrap thing this week that turned out delicious!  I’ll call it a BBQ Rice Wrap.

Dinner 8: Lickety Split Burger Hash!

Hello Readers of this Blog Realm!

I love the word ‘realm.’  It makes me think of Lord of the Rings and adventure!  I always think of hiking the LOTR trail when school starts getting busy.  Anyway, this is Birdman and I’m flying solo for my adventure in the kitchen this week.  Giggles is crazy busy with school right now.

So for this week I decided to go with our favorite meal, which we’ve both made a couple of times together in the past.  That meal would be Lickety Split Burger Hash from Giggles’ Student Go Vegan cookbook.  Woohooo!!  If you’re going to try making anything from this blog, make this!  This is why I went with it; you all deserve to know this wonderfully delicious, easy, and healthy recipe J

Dinner 7: North African Vegetable Stew!

Hey Fantastic Readers!

This is Birdman, ready to finish catching up on all the posts.  We’re up to our most recent dinner on Feb. 17.  It was my turn this week and I decided to go with a couple of recipes that I had been inspired by that week.

Just before this dinner I was volunteering at our Local Food Fair.  At the fair, there were many area farmers and community members with booths set up, talking about all sorts of food related topics, such as organic farming.  There was also a meal served.  550 people from the community showed up to this event and all received a free baked potato.  Then they could buy tickets for a number of different toppings that were provided by area restaurants.  As a volunteer, my job was to help set up the food stations and then serve the food.  Lucky me, I was assigned to serve food from Café 27.  Café 27 is one of the many fabulous restaurants where Giggles and I enjoyed breakfast.  They serve many vegetarian dishes and I believe all locally grown, organic food.  It’s the type of restaurant I would have if I ever opened my own.  Anyway, I got the opportunity to serve up some incredible North African Vegetable Stew from Café 27.  After I finished my time serving I had the chance to try it with a baked potato and it was incredible.  I knew I had to make this!  So I chose it for this week’s recipe.

Dinner 6: Cauliflower Soup and Mozzarella Stuff

Hello Blog Followers!

The Thursday of Feb. 10 was another spectacular meal!  It was Giggles’ week to choose a recipe and she broke away from the walls of VegWeb and experimented with some new and different kinds of recipes.  Hopefully Giggles can explain her reasons and the new eating style she’s discovered either here or in her reflection.  Explain yourself Giggles, hehe.  The recipes she chose are:

Low Carb Curried Cauliflower Soup
Low Carb Stuffed Mozzarella

Dinner 5: Packers Championship Soup

Hello Loyal Readers!

Birdman here.  Giggles and I haven’t abandoned this blog.  We may not have had any posts for awhile, but you should know we haven’t missed a dinner yet!  I just haven’t been good about writing every week.  Hopefully there are many posts to come!

So going way back to Thursday, Feb. 3, just before the Packers won the Superbowl, wooohooo!!  It was my turn to pick a recipe that week.  But I was pressed for time and couldn’t find something I that really looked good.  So I went with my own recipes.  We had soup, bread, and chocolate pudding for dessert (at least I did).

After making a number of soups, I got the basic idea of how they’re usually prepared and I’ve learned what combinations I really like.  So I just put my favorite foods and seasonings together and came up with this:

Fourth Time, Not the Charm

Hey Readers!

Apologies for it taking so long to get to this post.  The trauma I suffered from our fourth dinner has taken awhile to recover from, hehe.  For this dinner Giggles selected vegan mac and cheese and broccoli salad.  It was certainly interesting ...

Dinner 3: Tofu Kin Tastic!

Hello Readers!

Birdman here.  Giggles and I are back for dinner number three!  Woo!!

Have you ever tried tofu?  Before becoming a vegetarian, ‘tofu’ used to be sort of a dirty word, hehe.  It was a weird mystery substance that came from some classified vegetarian research facility located somewhere around Area 51. 

But you know what?  Once I tried it, it was actually pretty good.  Not as tasty as meat, or scrumptious as fresh baked bread, or bursting with flavor as strawberries, but it certainly isn’t bad.  On a scale from 1 being ‘this makes me puke,’ 5 being ‘sure I’ll eat it,’ and 10 being ‘orgasm in my mouth,’ I would rate tofu at 6.87259 (repeating 9 digit).  And part of the reason why I enjoy tofu is because I know it’s healthy: it’s vegan friendly, low in fat, and high in protein.  Plus it’s relatively inexpensive.  You can buy a standard package of tofu (serves about two) from the grocery store for around $3.  If I had a choice to add tofu to a meal, like stir fry and rice, I’d definitely do it.

How about second dinner ...

Hey Awesome Readers!

The second dinner turned out just as great as the first!  Once again, this past Thursday night Giggles and I prepared a delicious soup and bread.  This time of year is just great for that warm and tasty comfort food.  Giggles picked the recipes this time and went with Minestrone Soup and Yeast-Free Oatmeal Whole Wheat Bread.  Both are off of VegWeb.com.  I was in charge of soup and selected sparkling white grape juice (It's looks like wine so we can pretend we're adults, hehe).

Dinner Numero Uno!

Hey Everyone!

We're still here!  Things are a bit different now in our lives.  Mostly with Giggles.  She has graduated (woo! congrats!) and has begun a new chapter in her life at chiropractic school in Bloomington, MN.  If you remember from our first postings, we decided we would find a new recipe each week that we could each make.  Then we could blog about it and stay connected that way.  Connected through food!

So this past Thursday was the first meal we made.  It was Birdman's turn to pick this week (Giggles will be next week) and Giggles chose the beverage of hot chocolate.  And we think it was a good start because it turned out delicious.  Plus they were very simple recipes.  We made No Yeast Bread along with Wild Rice and Vegetable Soup using recipes we got off of VegWeb.com (a great website for vegetarian recipes).